We turned on our air conditioner on Friday night and 30 minutes later it began to leak so we had to turn it off. During the middle of a heat wave, this can be very inconvenient. Our landlord set up an appt with specialized mechanical and sent them over to help. They came in promptly that following Monday morning. I was in a very bad mood that morning because I had not had caffeine or food, but Hakeem was still very professional and helpful. Just want to say thank you for being patient and for fixing our AC that now works great! Hakeem provided great service, and is very knowledgeable about the products. Thanks again Hakeem. 10/10 read more

I've used Specialized Mechanical 's services for years. They are very knowledgeable and the techs I've had over the years are always friendly and polite. Recently my heater stopped blowing heat and they offered me a next business day appointment. The tech showed up on time and diagnosed the problem within a few minutes and got it repaired. In the past this heater had serious issues and would not work after several uses. I had a couple different companies come out and repair it, but within a few uses it would stop working again. I was at my wits end and randomly called tSpecialized Mechanical. I gave the tech the history of the problems with the unit. He did an evaluation and then offered to do additional research on this particular unit I have. He was able to figure out the problem, got the right part ordered, and fixed it. I really appreciated the extra effort to find the root of the problem. I'll never use any other company. read more

Well. SM seems all over the board. When we first signed on to get our system replaced we weren't expecting the sheer number of issues that happened over the course of what turned into a 2-month long ordeal For the first install - we had... (1) Holes mistakenly punched in our ceiling - the patch work does not match our paint color and we've asked on multiple occasions for it to be fixed with a service call never scheduled (and the patch work resulting in spackle dropping on some decorative items and our mantle which we had to clean up). (2) The zoning for the heating originally not working resulting in multiple returns of technicians to troubleshoot; (3) Improper electrical work that we only discovered when, come a warmer period, we found our pool pump not working - which we had to hire an electrician for who identified that the panel work to add in the HVAC system resulted in the pool pump being cut off from the electric panel due to the wrong circuit being installed - to the tune of $130. (4) Only a half working system - despite us questioning whether our A/C was working back in December and being assured it was - when it wasn't, making it clear that it was not adequately tested or potentially not even tested at all. So, from November to December, we had a lot of work done - only to get a half working system despite our questions and despite reassurances from technicians that it was indeed working. Thus starts part two of our saga.  At the start of the record breaking heat wave on July 6th, we turned on our A/C system.  Nothing happened. The next week after two technician visits we were told that there was a zoning issue that's causing challenges - and the technician left with the unit turned off or otherwise not functioning leaving it so we couldn't even use the fan and, until we removed the master control, were getting emails and periodic reboots of the system.  I was also promised a follow-up call to get rescheduled - and when I didn't get one and I called the office on Friday at 4:30 pm (30 min before close) I got no answer. When I did get a call (Monday, 7-16) a week and 2 days after record breaking heat, no A/C, and now no working fan, I find out that I can be scheduled on Wednesday.  So, we schedule the Wednesday.  Another technician comes out, troubleshoots, with new controls and nothing happens.  Another technician comes out and realizes the A/C system DOESN'T work.  After staying late into the night, the system gets somewhat put back together, but now we know it's just broken. Another visit occurs and after another late night of troubleshooting into 10pm with me having to go to bed and my husband staying up, the system is now running.   It doesn't have zoning, but it's running.  As we heard from the technician, when the unit was originally installed, wires that were required for the system to work were not included. Another week, another technician to visit to get the zoning working - another day of troubleshooting and finally, on 8/10, we get the system that we had originally contracted for. However, we still have the unpainted patch on the ceiling, and the debacle that was an HVAC system install with Specialized Mechanical messing up on our original install, not verifying the original install was accurate, going through two record heat waves without the system, and finding out the system was installed shoddily. So....we had to endure.... (1) Multiple work days having to be taken off or work shifted to support tech visits that often started late and ran into late evening hours; (2) Having no A/C during 2 record setting heat waves; (3) Having to buy meals out due to not wanting to use the stove; (4) Having no zoned A/C thereby having to pay a higher electricity cost for a week SO. Caveat Emptor. I'm sure they can do simple stuff, but for complex work, go with pros. read more

Aside fromYelping, I am quite handy around the house. But every now and again I come across a project that is beyond my skill-set, for which I don't have the right tools or I am too lazy to attempt. Luckily I am never too lazy to look for a trustworthy businesses on Yelp. My entire experience with Specialized Mechanical was worthy of five stars. Jon made scheduling easy. He was very communicative and flexible with my schedule. When it was time to get to work, Dave showed up on time in a professional uniform. There is nothing more exciting than a clean-cut, personable guy ringing your bell on a Saturday morning asking, "Did somebody call a HVAC repair man?" No ladies, he did not have a boom box and tear-away pants. Anyhow, Dave was quick to get to working checking out my three vents that weren't blowing any air. He explained the issues and a method how to fix them. He quoted me a price and I told him to go for it. Within two hours Dave was on his way and my vents were fixed. I paid a little more than I was originally hoping to but given the five star service, it was worth it. I would definitely call Specialized Mechanical again. read more

I have used Specialized Mechanical for ALL of my HVAC needs, this is my fourth time using them. I trust their work and their bids. They are honest and straight forward in all they do. I only TRUST them to touch my HVAC system. read more

Cory saved me. Plain and simple. I was house sitting for my landlord, and also doing a list of tasks. I'm a general contractor from Oregon. When I started replacing the thermostat my Girlfriend gets a call that her mom died. I basically grabbed tools and clothes and blazed home. I called Specialized Mechanical and spoke to Cory. His schedule was full but his field technician gave up his lunch break To save me. Well done guys, well done. The Tech barely had to get out of the truck and he had the new thermostat installed, and The final bill was less than I expected. I'd recommend these guys to my mother. read more

Credit where credit's due ... after Jon contacted me, I gave Specialized Mechanical another shot, and they did an awesome job. It took them a couple of visits to diagnose and repair the issue with our furnace, but they were constantly in contact, telling us what was going on, and really going out of their way to ensure that we got everything working again. After that experience, I can safely say that the first time (when they missed the appointment) was just an anomaly. These guys are very fair, very knowledgable, and very friendly. I would have no hesitation in recommending them! read more

Specialized Mechanical just did our annual service on the HVAC unit. They were very professional and sent digital pics of their work. They also installed our new HVAC equipment 3 years ago, and this review is long overdue. We had gotten bids from 3 reputable firms for the new system. Jon, the owner, went above and beyond to help us choose the right AC unit and designed the placement on our patio, installed a new heater in the attic and installed some new vents. They were very clean, neat, and professional. The technicians were very competent, friendly and did a great job. They were also priced well below the competition. Thank you Jon. read more

My 3rd Time using them and I have no reason to go elsewhere. Detailed and competitive quote with non aggressive upgrade options. Clean Install by a great technician and staff followed up to make make sure I was completely satisfied. I'm relieved to know I can count on them for help on my upcoming addition. read more

Specialized Mechanical is outstanding! The day before summer, our Jurassic Park air conditioner from 1996 goes out. I'm so concerned about the expense and whether it can be fixed. I'm shaking with worry. I call Specialized Mechanical and get a next-day-appointment! They arrive over an hour early for the repair. Takes all of 3 minutes for the tech to diagnose the problem (Hakeem). And in no time at all the A/C is humming again. Music to my ears. The cost was reasonable, I'm smiling and not frowning, I'm like PHARRELL HAPPY -- FOR REAL. I'm happy! "I feel like a room without a roof!" Thank you so very much Hakeem and Specialized Mechanical. We are literally COOL! read more

My tech Josh was super friendly and helpful. Their organization is horrible and price gougers. For 1 hour and recharging my system ... 1000$. Over 300 for putting refrigeration back into the lines? They say 75$ for the first hour... but they dont tell you that they will rip you off for every other aspect of service. Not again... not at my house. read more

As an 80 year old male you would think that " I'm old enough to know better", but apparently not (I should have checked with Yelp first). I'm writing this review because I feel that I was taken advantage of by Specialized Mechanical. I called them to repair my furnace. A tech was sent and quickly diagnosed the problem. The fix was to replace the fan limit switch. It was explained to me that because I have an older furnace, and unlike newer ones, the switch is soldered to the circuit board; therefore, the circuit board would need to be replaced. I was told the cost would be $614 ($460 for the circuit board and $150 for labor). I agreed to the cost and the work was completed. The receipt would be emailed to me. When I received the receipt two days later, the part number, for the circuit board, was listed. I went online to check the retail cost of the part and was amazed to find that it ranged from $43 to $75. I know their part pricing has to cover their costs + a reasonable profit but nearly a 1000% markup is crazy! To confirm my opinion I called other HVAC service businesses and told them I needed a specific circuit board installed. I was quoted prices from $250 to $325, parts AND labor, for the exact same repair. After advising the manager of Specialized Mechanical that I intended to write a negative Yelp review, a lengthy discussion ensued and was offered a $85 credit - which I declined. Lesson learned. From now on when I need to have a service repair I'll let my wife handle it...she's only 78 and Italian. Gary Twitty Encinitas, CA read more

It's Sept. and here in Escondido it's been 100+ degrees!! I called Specialized in the morning and Jon came out the morning I called!. . . . amazing - he was able to squeeze me in :0] He replaced my "run cap" on the motor thingy outside and my 30 + year old unit kicked into gear. . . .Yippee!! The charge was reasonable and my house is now livable. Thank you Jon for also checking the air coming thru the vents! read more

I called three different places (all with Yelp 4-5 stars) this morning as my AC had gone out overnight. Specialized was the only one to get back to me within 30 minutes just as their message had stated. I was surprised to be able to slot into a timeframe between 11-1 today because since it was going to be above 100°F today I knew they were going to be busy. At 10:15 I get a call from John saying that he's done early and fit it's OK if he heads over to my place. I told him sure and that I'd meet him in 15 minutes. John gets to my place ahead of me by 5 minutes and by the time I arrive he has diagnosed and changed out the part that was not allowing the fan to turn on, on heat-pump. Sure enough, he switches on the system and runs checks and everything is working wonderfully. The price for the part and labor was very reasonable and John explained what could have happened to the old part causing the failure. I'm ecstatic that in less than 10 minutes, the problem was fixed! I will continue to use Specialized Mechanical for my future HVAC needs and will highly recommend them to my friends and colleagues here in the San Diego area. Thanks John! read more

My AC went down late last night and the house quickly turned into a sweat box. Without expecting miracles, I called four service providers and Jon called and came on time... Fixed the issue in about 15 mins and only charged me the min service fee (which should be expected). Kind, courteous and also walked me through the issue and the fix so next time, I can try and save a few bucks and fix it at home. Thanks Jon! The Ramos Family is grateful! read more

If you want to be treated rudely and like a second class citizen, contact Jon. This guy is totally rude and disrespectful. His guys are wonderful but that needs to carry through to the owner. Jon is completely disrespectful. Let's just say he would never speak to a man the way he spoke to me because a guy would kiss his cowardly a$$. UPDATE: Jon, why don't you send me that recording? I'd be happy to play it for anyone who wants to listen to it. Oh, and by the way, it's ILLEGAL in the state of CA to record someone on the phone without telling them. So, you lie AND you do illegal things. Nice job. read more

These is a great company with a great technician. We had a complicated repair of our dual zone air conditioning system. There were two issues. The transformer was out and rats had chewed through a signal line. They were able to repair both and got our air conditioning working for our newly purchased home. Besides performing good work. They were honest and up front. Dave was polite and put on shoe covers when working up stairs. He researched different options and presented them to me fairly. Dave is an asset to the company and I hope he works there a long time. read more

This has been a long summer of heat and taxing our old a/c unit. When it finally gave out during a very hot heat wave, Jon answered the call when no one else would. He was fast, courteous, and got the job done right. Our a/c unit need some parts and charging, and then our house was like ice. I highly recommend Jon and Specialized Mechanical. You won't be disappointed. read more

Specialized Mechanical is truly a 5 star outfit. Our 15 year old furnace gave up. I had several different repair estimates for the job, Jon's pricing was great, he was professional, prompt at returning emails, and came up with a plan that fit our budget instead of trying to up-sell us. After the install they completely cleaned up and took the time to explain everything to me. read more

Beware! This company has ethics problems. Our wine closet cooling system had been working OK until one day it just stopped cooling. The technician diagnosed the problem as a failed over-temperature sensor on the compressor. The part was ordered and installed a few days later. The technician told me that the refrigerant was low and I agreed to have it "topped up". However, they added $150 of refrigerant (plus labor) before completing the checks to confirm that the system was working properly. After topping up the refrigerant, the technician completed testing the system and determined that a further $1,462 of repairs would be needed. The system had been working adequately before the sensor failed. It didn't need additional refrigerant to allow the testing to be completed. Had I known of the additional cost, I would not have had the refrigerant added and would simply have converted the wine closet back to the storage closet it had been. In addition, during later discussions they admitted that the cost of the sensor they replaced included installation labor. However, they had charged me for the entire time the technician was on site, never giving me credit for the double-charged labor. When I requested a refund, they never responded. This is not the way a reputable company conducts its business. read more

I wish all of our service people were as responsive and qualified as Jon and his team. Yesterday, Josh came to fix our leaky a.c. and he did a thorough and professional job of fixing it after explaining exactly what was wrong and how he was going to fix it. He even showed us pictures! Also alerted us to rats in the attic. read more

In July of 2018 these guys intalled a furnace in one of our rental properties. When our clients went to use it a few days before Christmas it would not turn on. Riley, with Specialized Mechanical, got back to me and took care of the repair on the 23rd and 24th of December even though it was the holiday weekend. I hope Riley gets a BIG bonus this year! Thank you....it made it a great Christmas for us all! read more

Excellent FAST Service. I called today at 12:50pm- My AC was fixed and cranking out cold air again within less than 50 minutes of my initial call. I am impressed. He just happened to be in the area when I called and swung by during his lunch to check it out. He happened to have the parts in the van and performed the repair within 20 minutes. I'm sure I might have 'paid' $50-$100 too much but this was WELL WORTH IT! The repair man was clean, professional and trustworthy. Didn't get the sleesy feeling from these guys. I will definantly recommentd them to my friends. read more

Just got both my AC units serviced by Joshua and I couldn't be any happier. Both my units had some issues and I knew that going in, Joshua got them running as best they could. I was looking at new units a week before and I am guessing Joshuas hard work bought me a few more summers with these units. He was very upfront with all the pricing of the service and parts he was suppling, I would recommend Specialized Mechanical to any of my friends. read more

My Air Conditioner was acting up, it would start, but not keep running and the house was way too hot during the recent nasty heat wave. The company that installed the unit was out of business due to the housing slump. I searched Yelp and found Specialized Mechanical. I got a call back in 10 minutes and had an appointment the very next day. Dave came out and pulled the panel on my unit and immediately said, "This is your problem." (pointing to a start up capacitor that had gone bad.) He replaced it immediately (Had the part in his van) and even removed a jumper capacitor that the original install company had put in. He said it wasn't necessary, and could even be dangerous. I'd notice the power in the house would dim when the A/C would start up...it doesn't do that now when it turns on. Thanks Dave! Dave was done in about 40 minutes from start to finish, and my house was as cool as a cucumber one again. They are honest, and completely up front about costs, and overall were very reasonable. I'm hanging on to their card, and would definitely use them again! Great Company and really good people. read more

My home was hotter than a Cancun club during spring break so something had to be done. I have a new home, and after a failed attempt to fix the heat from the builder, I couldn't take it anymore. I went to Yelp and found Specialized Mechanical. They keep very busy - so Jon asked me if this could wait a few days since there was a cold spell going on and this was not "critical". Jon and team showed up during the specified time (which was at 6pm) and I appreciated the later time slot. They were very nice and took time to review my heating system, make the necessary corrections, and explain my next options if necessary. It seems they got it right the first go around. They were here for about an hour and the system is much much better! Very balanced, much more quiet, and I am extremely pleased. I will absolutely call Specialized Mechanical for any future needs. I would say the ONLY minor thing is the invoice (very fair price) didn't break down the specific cost, so that may be something you ask them to do. read more

Was able to get service done on the same day I called to check up. Dave was very thorough in finding out that my AC was running along with the heater. Ended up getting a new thermostat for my troubles and all is good now. Big time thanks to these guys! read more

Specialized Mechanical (Jon and company) provided quality work and friendly service on a furnace repair. In the winter, our 30 year old furnace caught fire (build up of pet hair, etc.), Jon promptly restored the functionality by replacing the motor. We also really appreciated that we asked if we should replace the furnace with central air and he said it was not worth it. I was nervous about selecting an HVAC company, but would have no reservations, and feel good about recommending Specialized Mechanical to anyone. read more

I contracted with Specialized Mechanical for 2 things: 1. Move my existing AC from upstairs to downstairs and 2. Install new condenser for upstairs. I have two systems, and one condenser was stolen long ago. Goal was to have new efficient system upstairs and older unit down. Jon provided me the quote and was nice and personable and worked with my needs. They stated they could not warrant the downstairs unit, but I understood that and it was working just fine when they showed up. Once Jon left and for the install, I had a number of issues: 1. Team showed up and did not know details where to install 2. They placed the unit in the complete wrong spot, covering a sidewalk 3. Jon did educate them on location, but they had to come back for 2 more full days to reconfigure system. Why did it take so long? Because I got the brand new guy for his first job at S.M. and did not have tools, etc. My stucco got messed up and burn marks on the unit. I question the install too since took so long. 4. One installed, we were in a steady state until it got hot. 5. Got hot, turned on upstairs unit, and it failed in a couple of hours. Why? Because they left the water sensor in the bottom of the try instead of up a little bit - fine - I am handy and fixed that but then noticed they did not put insulation on the bottom part of the pipe in the attic. 6. Turned on the downstairs unit a couple of weeks later (2 weeks ago) for the first time. Within 15 minutes it failed and spit refrigerant everywhere. 7. Called and made appointment to fix insulation and assess downstairs unit. They told me it failed, was not their fault and $1500 to fix. Really? First time ran after they hooked up?? 8. They tried to charge me for the appointment. 9. Called them out on it and there is zero response. Summary, be careful believing all YELP reviews, I guess including mine. Only as good as last install, and mine was very poor. I would not recommend them - I would look around and make sure you ask lots of questions - I am sure there are better AC folks out there. read more

We have had a few issues with our very advanced heating system and always call on Specialized Mechanical for top-notch service. Can't tell you enough how much we are truly impressed with their very knowledgeable techs. Cory is amazing and very personable. Highly recommend! read more

I was a little worried when our AC unit crapped out on the hotest week of the year, but once I found Specialized Mechanical through yelp, things have been chill around the house. WOW! This is a great company! Jon our technician was actually early for the appointment, he was clean cut, and very professional. Fixed our issue within 20minutes (had the required parts on hand) and noticed a couple minor issues that he corrected on the spot. Took some extra time to make sure the system was operating up to standard and even gave us some tips to keep things working, and save money on energy use. All of this, and the price was VERY fair. HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend him and his company. I won't be going anywhere else for my future AC needs. read more

I called this company as a service tech did work at our office that was nice and informative. When I called for my own home to be serviced sadly he didn't work there anymore, but continued to set up service. The rep came out to diagnose the issue with the HVAC and submitted an invoice with a recommendation to repair to supply to my home warranty company. The invoice was extremely vague and the home warranty wanted a detailed invoice of cost associated with what they were recommending, Specialized Mechanical refused to do so and needless to say because of that my home warranty company would not accept. I had to go with another company to come do an additional check and invoice which was done to the request of the home warranty and all is fixed. Why can't you do a simple task of itemizing an invoice? I know working with home warranty companies is a pain and more work, but that was disclosed when setting up the appointment. I just wish the invoice and recommendations would have been itemized like asked so everyone could be happy and you would have had a bigger bill for yourselves to make more than just a site visit. read more

Excellent service, timely, polite, great pricing. Jon showed up and was very professional, kept work area clean and got the job done quickly. He also took the time to explian what needed to be done and why in a manner that someone outside of the industry such as myself could understand. I would definitely recommend his services to anyone needing heating and air conditioning service. read more

Specialized Mechanical - Heating & Air Conditioning/HVAC Near Me

Called them on a Friday afternoon because our aging furnace stopped working, and scheduled a tech out next Mon. morning. However, an hour later got a call back, they were able to come by in 1/2 hr. They did, had a replacement part with them, and we were working soon afterwards. Wow, instead of a cold week-end, we had heat for the first cold snap this fall! My wife was very happy, which makes me happy -lol. Excellent service. read more

I have been very pleased with the customer service from Specialized Mechanical. They helped replace my sisters entire furnace a few years back and stayed in touch to ensure we continued to service the unit and keep it in tip top shape. When a challenge arose due to my misunderstanding, they worked with me to ensure I was a happy customer. I especially like their communication around when your tech will arrive and providing a photo of who is showing up. I highly recommend the team there and will use them again! read more

Excellent customer service, on phone and in person. Dave came out and had a very good demeanor, got straight to work and resolved the issue easily within the expected timeline. I'm a huge fan of web and personal presence when someone comes into my home for service. Especially when we have to pay I think it's fair to have an expectation; which they fulfilled effortlessly. "Thank You Dave for getting our heat back on so quickly, and for spending the extra time to share your knowledge with us on the repair". Hopefully I don't need repairs again anytime soon.. but when I do I know who I'm calling. Joey read more

Mixed review and here is why: We had our air-conditioning unit outside installed by specialized mechanical in early 2013 and were really happy with everything then. A 5 star experience. After about 3 years one of the outside parts rusted pretty bad and needed to be swapped out. The quote we received for the repair was higher than two other quotes for the same service. Since we were an existing client I was hoping to work with them and expressed this. I was told that the part could be moved inside in order to avoid rust or being exposed to the elements. I was also offered that it could be sprayed with a protectant for additional $$$. Why wasn't this offered when the unit was originally installed? None of my neighbors have the liquid line filter installed outside. If it is known that this can rust rather quickly and cost $$$ to repair then I would hope that my installer automatically installs it in the best spot or at least offers a choice and insight about it. It would be nice to get a good price for the repair for existing clients also. I need another AC for a new house in two months from now but after this experience will most likely buy elsewhere. read more

This is the first time we used this company and we were very satisfied with their service. Highly recommend them to anyone needing this kind of service. read more

Our furnace went completely out at our condo after 45 years of operation. Like you, I had no idea of who is honest and skilled at installing a furnace. I turned to Yelp and found that Specialized Mechanical had 5 stars with many satisfied customers. The reason SM has superb reviews is that it is owned by a guy named Jon Van Meter. He explains what he is going to do clearly, is on time with his appointment, and finished when he promised. We wish we found SM when we had to have work done at our other house. We know what shoddy work is because we used another company and it was a disaster. Jon's price was fair - not the cheapest or the most expensive. We would use him again in a heartbeat and would recommend him to our friends. read more

I don't want to seem too negative because they were very nice and showed up when scheduled. They fixed the problem within minutes and were done. But I'm very budget conscious and asked for the cost of hourly repairs while on the phone as I was booking. As I did with other companies to find the best price. When Dave, the kind repair man showed to work on my AC unit, his cost were much more then I was told. I was told that it was $154 for the first hour, and $85 for each additional hour. I even asked the receptionist the cost of the inspection and she told me hourly rates. The tech told me same first cost, but an additional cost for the inspection of my two AC units. First unit would be $179, second unit $125. I was planning on $170 for the two additional hours (each inspection takes about an hour). If I was told this on the phone I would have just gone with ASI because their cost were $87 per unit to inspect. Also, ASI said it was a $67 Show up fee, but that is credited to your bill if you choose to use them. Specialized Mechanical's show up fee is $184, not credited to your bill. I cancelled the inspection after the tech told me the new costs because it was much greater then I had been told and anticipated. I just had one unit fixed. My total cost was $279 ($125 for the the condenser part) for the 20 minutes of work, because they charge a full hour rate minimum (unknown to me, but maybe everyone else knows this so they don't tell you that over the phone). Moral of the story, if cost isn't a factor, these guys are great, friendly, speedy, and on time. I'm bummed I cancelled ASI because they would've been half the cost of Specialized Mechanical. read more